A2adjective1K

Nervous

UK /["/ˈnɜːvəs/"]/US /["/ˈnɜːrvəs/"]/

Definition

anxious about something or afraid of something

In simple words: Feeling worried or anxious

Examples

  • She felt nervous before her speech in front of the class.
  • He was so nervous that he couldn't stop tapping his foot.
  • The nervous puppy hid behind its owner during the thunderstorm.
  • I always get a bit nervous when I have to meet new people.
  • Her nervous laughter made it clear that she was uncomfortable in the situation.

Usage notes

Used to describe a feeling of anxiety; common in both spoken and written English. Avoid in overly relaxed situations where less formal vocabulary is suitable.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'nerve'—a jangled nerve can make you feel nervous.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • feel
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • at
  • of
  • appear
  • be
  • feel
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • at
  • of

Synonyms

  • anxious
  • uneasy
  • apprehensive
  • restless
  • jittery

Antonyms

  • calm
  • relaxed
  • confident

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'excited' as they can feel similar.
  • Using 'nervous' when meaning 'angry'.
  • Saying 'nervous for' instead of 'nervous about'.